© 2026 NPR Illinois
For your right to be curious.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Build a transformational philanthropy program for this trusted NPR affiliate.
Seeking a 100% major gift fundraiser passionate about public media to develop relationships with people who support an informed and civil central Illinois.
Hire will have community visibility, many prospects, and professional resources.
Interviews in progress, open until filled. Apply now.

Tampa Military Personnel Assist In Evacuation Of Hurricane Maria Victims

More than 500 medically needy patients and their family members have been evacuated from St. Croix, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico by the Air Mobility Command. (The 927th Air Refueling Wing)
More than 500 medically needy patients and their family members have been evacuated from St. Croix, St. Thomas and Puerto Rico by the Air Mobility Command. (The 927th Air Refueling Wing)

There are nearly 6,500 troops and support staff deployed to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands as part of the government’s relief response to the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Among the military units already helping is the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. The Air Force Reserve unit is flying medical patients to the mainland U.S.

Bobbie O’Brien of WUSF visited the squadron’s staging area at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.

This story was produced by the American Homefront Project, a public media collaboration that reports on American military life and veterans. Funding comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Bob Woodruff Foundation.

Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.